Delawareans can submit public comments regarding Highmark's requested rate increase on the Department of Insurance's website.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware has asked to increase rates by 33.6 percent for health insurance plans on the Affordable Care Act Exchange. In May, Aetna Inc. announced it would pull out of the state's health insurance marketplace next year, ending coverage for 11,854 Delawareans.

That makes Highmark the lone health insurance provider.

State law requires public comments and an independent actuarial review of the proposed rate increase.

There will also be three public comment sessions: New Castle County session will be July 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Carvel State Building, 820 N French St., Wilmington; Kent County, Aug. 2, 6-8 p.m., at the Delaware Department of Insurance, 841 Silver Lake Boulevard, Dover; and Sussex County, Aug. 3, 6-8 p.m., Delaware Technical Community College – Owens Campus, 21179 College Drive, Georgetown.

Questions? Call the Division of Consumer Services at (302) 674-7310 or email consumer@state.de.us.

Beebe offers support group for people with heart failure

Beebe Healthcare's Heart to Heart Support Group targets those with heart failure and their caregivers. The group can help people deal with the emotional aspects of heart failure, the hospital said in a press release.

The group meets the second Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Cardiovascular Conference Room at Beebe’s main campus, 424 Savannah Road in Lewes. For more information on the group, call (302) 542-6334.

Bayhealth to host support group for people with chronic lung disease

Bayhealth Medical Group is hosting a support group for people with chronic obstructive lung disease.The next meeting will be 2:30-4 p.m. Thursday at Bayhealth Hospital — Kent Campus, 640 S. State St. in Dover.

Each session includes an education briefing about the disease. Registration is not required.